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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-14 Transcription ~ P~I ITEM 2 PROCLAMATIONS. a) Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week: November 12-18, 2006 Wilburn: (reads proclamation) Karr: Here to accept the proclamation is Crissy Canganelli, Executive Director of Shelter House. (applause) Canganelli: On behalf of the local Homeless Coordinating Board, I want to thank all the men and women of the City ofIowa City Council, the leadership of the City ofIowa City, the staff who you rely on day in and day out for your support, technical support, and the men and women - the citizens of this community - for all the support, the work that has gone into raising awareness throughout our community, most particularly over this past year and during this week of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness, this national week of awareness, we locally have several activities that are going on and I just wanted to share and remind the members of our community of these events. Tomorrow evening, 6:30 to 8:30, at the Iowa City Public Library there is a hunger panel that will be in Meeting Room A, and unfortunately, we have had to cancel the homelessness simulation, which will be on Saturday morning, November 18th. That event will no longer be held, but we are holding our first annual "John Sleep Out." The sleep out is named after John Stewart who was a resident of Johnson County. He died under an Iowa City bridge two years ago. This is our first annual sleep out and it will be held on the land that is owned by Shelter House, has been owned by Shelter House for two years now. It's located at the comer of Southgate Avenue and Waterfront Drive. It is the land on which we aspire to build a new facility, and the event will start at 5 :00 P.M. I encourage all citizens to join us in this awareness building. Thank you. Wilburn: Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. #3 ITEM 3 Wilburn: Karr: Wilburn: Conrad: Saehler: Herdliska: Wilburn: Page 2 OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARDS - MARK TWAIN ELEMENTARY. Could the students from Mark Twain Elementary please come forward. And also coming forward is the Youth Advisory Commission Member, Michael Nelson. Thank you. Nervous? Me too. Well, thanks for coming down. This is really a special time for the City Council and the public because this is a chance for us to hear about all the good work you've been doing at school and in your neighborhoods, or churches and things like that. So, we're really looking forward to hearing what you have to say. I'm going to hand you this microphone. If you can go ahead and read us your story, okay? My name is Geneva. Thank you for this award. It is a great honor. To me, being a good citizen means helping out when needed and treating others with dignity and respect. These are some of the things I volunteered to do to help out: being a crossing guard, being a conflict manager, and taking part in the "Run for the School." I plan to continue to strive to be a good citizen. Thanks again for this award. (applause) My name is Abby Saehler. I'm in 6th grade at Mark Twain Elementary, Ms. Postman's class. I am involved in many activities at Mark Twain. I have been on safety patrol since 5th grade and now I'm a 6th grade captain. I have also been on student council for four years and was elected secretary this year. I help in the media center every day by turning on and off the computers. I have been selected to help in the lunchroom three times this year because I am a good role model and have a positive attitude. I received Tiger Pride earlier this year for helping students get involved with P.E. activities. I am in the journaling club where we write articles for the Mark Twain Newsletter. I (unable to understand) at Mark Twain. I'm really going to miss it. (applause) My name is Jake. My teachers picked me because I'm honest. I'm a captain of patrol. I'm also a conflict manager. I help them when they need it. I follow all the directions and I get my homework done on time. (laughter and applause) That was a very good job. Do any of you remember seeing me come to yoUr school a couple weeks ago? Yeah, you do? I was very, I was very impressed with each of you. I'm going to read the Citizenship Award. It has each of your names on it, but I'm only going to read one of these, okay? For her outstanding qualities of leadership within Mark Twain Elementary, as well as the community, and for her sense ofresponsibility and helpfulness to others, we recognize Geneva Conrad as an Outstanding This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. ~-------,._,----"-",--.-------"---^'-'---'-"----------_._---~._~~.~-_._------- #3 Page 3 Student Citizen. Your community is proud of you. This is presented by the Iowa City Council. Congratulations, and thank you. (applause) Thank you. Jake, nice job. (applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. #4 Page 4 ITEM 4 CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED. Vanderhoef: Mr. Mayor, I'll make the motion with the request to remove 4.F(2). Bailey: Second. Wilburn: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by Bailey. Discussion? Atkins: Mr. Mayor, there were three questions on the public hearings raised last night at our work session. They seem to be generally procedural and/or administrative questions. The Longfellow Manor project, there was a question as to why the Housing and Community Development Commission have not been involved in this. In talking with the staff, traditionally, since they do not find themselves directly involved in the funding, it has just been referred directly to the City Council. The other two, concerning the housing choice voucher and the continued occupancy plan for the Housing Authority, I was reminded that the City Council is the Housing Authority, that's why it goes directly to you, rather than (unable to hear). If you wish to change any of those policies or procedures, I'd suggest you refer it to a work session and we can talk about it then, but we. . . there are apparently some commitments about moving these hearings along. Okay. Wilburn: Okay, and those public hearings are for November 28, 2006. Any other comments? Roll call. Item carries 7-0. We will now consider, was Item 2 - is that correct? Bailey: 4.F(2). Wilburn: 4.F(2) - this is a resolution approving the by-laws of the Housing and Community Development Commission. I have a conflict of interest with this item. It involves setting rules related to the Housing and Community Development Commission, and I work for an organization that receives funding, and it would be inappropriate for me to vote and discuss this item. Champion: Move adoption. Correia: Second. Bailey: Discussion? Correia: These are changes to the by-laws that were recommended by the Housing and Community Development Commission to update them and have them This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. #4 Page 5 be in line with the practices of.. . and the Rules Committee has already looked at them. Bailey: I see no further discussion. Roll call. Motion carries 6-0, Wilburn abstaining due to conflict of interest. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. #5 ITEM 5 Wilburn: Cohen: Page 6 COMMUNITY COMMENT (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA). This is a time for the public to address the Council on an item that does not appear on tonight's agenda. If you wish to comment, please step forward to the podium, state your name for the record, and please limit your comments to five minutes or less. Hi there. My name is Leah Cohen and I'm here on behalf of the Iowa City Alcohol Advisory Board, just to speak with you a few minutes in regards to the amendments to the Building and Fire Code that are being proposed to the Council, and I guess basically what we're here for is we understand the need of what we're talking about and what's going on with this. Our concern at this point is, one, it's a very complicated situation. We feel that the Code, as it looks right now, we don't totally understand what's going on with it. I don't know if Council does or not, but we feel a need to really get this all out in regards to everyone who's going to be effected, how much it's going to cost for all these businesses - not just downtown, but outside of downtown - though that may be delayed a little further, we feel it's important to get landlords involved, trust departments at banks that are landlords in the downtown area, certainly we ourselves, most of us don't own our buildings downtown, so...but most of us do operate on a, what they call a triple-net lease so we're responsible for all of these sorts of things that go on. I think probably most will go back to landlords to try and get some help, if this goes through in regards to sprinkler systems, those sorts of things with it. But, in looking at that, and one thing we've talked about all along is upper and lower level, and concerns about upper, lower level, multi-level restaurants and bars, which is what will be involved in this. I don't think we are addressing those problems with it as it is today. I don't think we addressed those problems with our capacity and this Code is not addressing those problems. There might be a few that may be addressed, but in general it's not, and I think it's important for City Council to know and understand that if we have very specific problems in what we may all feel are safety issues, that we need to look at how it's going to affect every single establishment that could be with those safety issues, so we don't want people falling through the cracks, which is what has happened with our capacity. Right now is not real good in some places where it's at. I think everybody's kind of heard that. But, what we are asking basically for the Council to do is to maybe put together a little committee involving the building, the fire, somebody from the alcohol board, some landlords, to try and sit down and really look at this and how it's going to affect-really who we want it to affect, and how it's going to affect others, so that we all can understand in simple language what's going to happen with this. One thing for an example is with the sprinkler systems in the building and one ofthe proposals establishes a shut-down system that would shut down your music, for instance if you would have something go on like a fire. It would be connected, I guess, they're This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. #5 Page 7 connected through the water system. When a sprinkler goes off, that's a $5,000 to $10,000 system, just for that, where it's proposed right now, which is at $200, I would be included in that, and I don't mean to moan too much, guys, but Ijust spent $15,000 on a restroom. I call it my $15,000 toilet, for what had to happen with the capacity issues. Some of us are done with those. A lot are not done with those. They're coming up with, you know, $20,000, $25,000 just to get those things done, which a lot of them have not been done and will not be done until the first part of the year or so. So, I think it's important Council understands there's a lot of small businesses in this town, and we are all small businesses, and to ask for them to put out $20,000, $30,000, or more on some of these issues, I think, is pretty astronomical, and I don't think it's even a matter oflow interest loans. I think that's pretty insignificant, though it's nice. Some people will be out of business, and I think it's important that you people understand what small business is here and what we're talking about with it. The other thing, I just wanted to comment on a little bit in regards to, with the Alcohol Board, is we have just seen tremendous cooperation downtown. I don't know if you people have. It's been quiet. I think everyone has been extremely cooperative in regards to capacities, to trying to keep the lines in order, helping the Police Department with that, through football season - all those things that have gone on, and we just...I think everyone's done a really good job with that. We are starting a program with Brandeis University that we have been asked to do through the Alcoholic Beverage in Des Moines, and Brandeis University is going to be doing an experiment here, which they're currently doing now in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and they will be doing secret shopper program, so that it will really give all of these places a good idea of what's going on with their staff. We have seen the compliance checks that have been done, the last several, we are seeing a lot of outlying problems, whether it's grocery stores, whether it's convenience stores, whatever it may be, and the downtown bars have been doing a pretty good job of complying with that, so we're hoping that those people also will get on this program. It's kind of a...I think they use grants to do it and it's a pretty extensive program, but we're getting as many as we can signed up for it, so that's something that's happening that we're pretty excited about and we think that it will really help keep our staff on their toes downtown in the bars. So, that's all I have to say. Thank you for your time. Wilburn: Thanks for your comments. Neades: Good evening, I'm Rebecca Neades from the Iowa City Area Chamber and I'm here on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. We also have been following the international building universal code changes that are coming up for 2006, not to be implemented and enforced until 2007, the end of the year there, but in looking at this, we represent over 1,000 small, or 1,000 members. 1,000 member businesses, many of whom are small This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. --~'~-~-----"'----'-~""-""--'-"--'--"'-"'---"-----_._,-,._-,--- -.......- -. -------~--~._._._-_._-----,_.~-,-_..._.-.._-'_. - ~. ..-.._.--_._~---._-_.._.._~.._.._-----.--------,------ #5 Page 8 businesses and Leah's right on target. I don't think we know exactly what we're looking at because I'm not sure you guys know exactly what that looks like yet. You're still putting that together. So what we're asking is if we could be at the table and work through that with you. The Chamber would be happy to bring, you know, some people together, bring the...a member of City Councilor a member of Planning and Zoning or a member of Police Department or the Fire Department. You guys can help me work through that, but we'd like everyone at the table to know exactly what is being proposed, what the implications of those proposals will mean to business, and we're not saying 'whoa are we, small business - that means we don't have to be safe.' That means 'let's just make sure that we're all on the same page and we go into this with our eyes open and know what it means.' So, I'd be more than happy to do that on behalf of the Chamber and bring some groups together, and then I think we need to inform those businesses that are going to be affected across Iowa City what that means to them. Just to follow up on the Brandeis University survey, that actually is a really cool program, and I am really excited about this Alcohol Advisory Board because they have, every time we give them a new direction or you bring something to their attention that they need to address, you know, I think they're right on top of it. They worked on signage in windows. They worked on advertising. They worked on drink specials. They've worked on bouncer issues. They've worked on all of these things and this is actually an independent group that's going to go into the bars and all the liquor establishments that we get approval from, underage and try and do some of these checks. The owners will get the report back, it will be confidential, so they'll know if their staff is doing what they're supposed to do, if they're aware of the laws, if they're. . . and it will keep them on their toes. They'll do this once or twice a month, for up to a year, all times of day and evening. It's a free program, so the Chamber is helping out with trying to get everyone signed up for it, and I think that there's no better place to make changes than in your own establishment when you know what's going on, and so I'm a big believer in we self-regulate and then we won't have to be regulated as closely, if we'll take care of our own business, and I really feel like this group is making an impact in trying to do that. So, if we canjust get through some of these other things, like, you know, proposed changes that are coming forward, I think we're good. Let me know if I can help, and Mayor, if you would like to assign someone for this, or have someone in particular you'd like me to communicate with, I'd be happy to. Wilburn: We'll discuss it with staff since you asked the question directly of me. I'm, I just want to, for curiosity sake, are you aware that before any of the changes that went through, not including... well, actually including the sprinkler, that there were meetings with, back in January, February of early this year with some of the very same people that you're talking about getting together? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. #5 Neades: Wilburn: Neades: Wilburn: Neades: Wilburn: Neades: Wilburn: Neades: Wilburn: Dilkes: Neades: Wilburn: Neades: Wilburn: Neades: Page 9 Have you had the business community involved in those conversations? Yes, yes. Okay. I didn't know if you were aware of that. Actually, I'm not, and it would have been... Well, when we talk about that, we'll get some of that information so you realize who was there. You know, that would be good because the Chamber really would like to be active, and actively involved in helping facilitate some conversations within the community, and it doesn't just have to be the bars or the, you know, the ordinances or zoning or whatever, but we'd like to make sure that communication. . . We'll follow up with you. Thanks! Okay. If! can just interject from the staffs' perspective so there's not confusion. I think the meetings that are being talked about are the conversations that HIS staff had with the business owners when they were dealing with the occupancy issues. There was no organized meeting of business owners. These were one-on-one conversations because I think the HIS staff knew that those things coming down the pike after the occupancy coming down the pike would be... Okay, I actually am aware of that, and I think I'm on to a different issue now. I'm onto zoning changes. We're aware that, they were told then that they were coming, but never had discussions about specifics and... We'll get you what was discussed. I think I was there, but we can follow up. All right. Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14,2006. #5 Page 10 Wilburn: Yep. Anyone else care to address the Council on an item that's not on tonight's agenda? Rummelhart: Good evening everybody. I'm here on another subject. I'm John Rummelhart. Just had a quick question might put the men over here for a comment or two, but the concern is in just regards to, I know we're always looking at additional tax funding and maybe trying to change the condo taxes from the commercial end of things to residential to we're looking for more revenues. There's one thing coming down the pike, I think next year, I'm a little bit foggy, but was just curious, there are new accounting rules, I think, coming down the pike for different size municipalities, and I don't know if we're at the threshold or not, but in regards to the long-term retirement obligations we have, and I didn't know if, looking at that if there are any surprises coming down the pike where the funding, well, just the way we accounting for things or. . . Atkins: John, the retirement system for Iowa is run by the State of Iowa. We simply pay into it. Rummelhart: I think that's great news! Thanks, 'cause there's going to be a lot of surprises, but maybe not here. Atkins: We were fully funded and actuarially on target when the State took ours over, sO...we had no problems. Rummelhart: Thanks. Wilburn: Cohen: Wilburn: Cohen: Would anyone else care to address the Council on an item that does not appear on tonight's agenda? I would like to just quickly point out, the meeting you were referring to, Mayor, I didn't understand what it was either until it dawned on me. We did meet on capacity issues with the Fire Department and the Building Department, and they did let us know at that point in time that they had issues that they were going to be dealing with in regards to Code changes. They didn't know specifics. We've talked to them on several occasions, and are very confused by specifics, so we in no means have had a lot of communication on that. There has been basically zero with the people that are involved in this, who are going to be spending their money, and that's one of the biggest problems here. It's my money! And... I had previously said that we would get together who was there, and... Just so you know, there have not been meetings that have gotten into this. Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. ~_.._--~--_._---_._------,._..,-,,--_.,-- _._-~-~----~'"--..~---,----~_._._--_._,.- ----.-----.----..-..-----.-----.---..-----.---", -- , -.-.--- ~._---------_.__."._~-~---- #5 Page 11 Wilburn: .. . and I was just letting you know I had already said we would get that information. Okay? Cohen: Thank you. Wilburn: Anyone else? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. #6 Page 12 ITEM 6 PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS. c) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE REZONING 7.61 ACRES OF PROPERTY LOCATED BOTH NORTH AND SOUTH OF STEVENS DRIVE BETWEEN S. GILBERT STREET AND WATERFRONT DRIVE FROM INTENSIVE COMMERCIAL (CI-l) ZONE TO COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC-2) ZONE (REZ-06-00024) (SECOND CONSIDERATION) Vanderhoef: I move that the rule requiring that ordinances must be considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended, that the second consideration and vote be waived, and that the ordinance be voted on for final passage at this time. Wilburn: So moved by Vanderhoef... Champion: Second. Wilburn: ..to expedite, seconded by Champion. Discussion? Elliott: Marian, was this what the gentleman was asking about last night? Karr: Yes it was. Elliott: And.. .it's cool? Karr: He found it, yes it's cool. Elliott: Okay, thanks. I'm sorry. Correia: I have no idea what you two are talking about. Karr: It was a student who was looking for. . . Correia: Okay, so we're not rezoning 9.83 acres? Karr: We're rezoning 7.61. This is the original item and comment, and then you decided to delete the one property, so 7.61 is the ordinance. Correia: And that's what the ordinance states? Karr: Yes. Correia: Okay. Wilburn: Any further discussion? Roll call on expediting. Carries 7-0 to expedite. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. #6 Page 13 Vanderhoef: I move that the ordinance be finally adopted at this time. Correia: Second. Wilburn: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by Correia. Discussion? Roll call. Item carries 7-0. Karr: Motion to accept correspondence. Vanderhoef: So moved. Wilburn: Moved by Vanderhoef. Bailey: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Bailey to accept correspondence. All those in favor say aye. Opposed same sign. Carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. #7 Page 14 ITEM 7 CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE TITLE 17, ENTITLED "BUILDING AND HOUSING," TO ESTABLISH LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PLANNING, LAYOUT, SUPERVISION AND INSTALLATION OF HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING (HV AC), COMMERCIAL KITCHEN HOODS AND FOR DUCTED AIR HEATING AND COOLING INSTALLERS. (FIRST CONSIDERATION). Vanderhoef: Move first consideration. Wilburn: Moved by Vanderhoef. Champion: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Champion. Discussion? Elliott: I move to defer until the next meeting. O'Donnell: Second. Wilburn: Moved by Elliott and seconded by O'Donnell to...what's that? ...yeah, to defer until, I'm sorry? Elliott: Until the next meeting. Karr: 11/28. Wilburn: Until 11/28. Discussion? Correia: We.. .do we know where Coralville is in their process with this? Atkins: Yes. Tim Hennes, our Senior Building Inspector, is here tonight. Correia: Oh, okay. Atkins: He can answer those questions for you. Hennes: Coralville has had two readings. They've made a few minor modifications to it, and they're going to go with their third reading. It will not be tonight, but it should be at their next meeting, before January I st. Wilburn: What's the nature of those minor.. . changes? Hennes: I think some just, it went through Legal on some technicalities on the wording of that. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. #7 Page 15 Correia: I mean, I'd be interested in having Iowa City's ordinance match Coralville's ordinance. Hennes: I did speak with Henry Herwig, who is a Council Member and a HP AC contractor today, and he assured me that when they went through theirs compared with ours, the major change, or the only difference really is a word - we call it residential, they call it a journeyman. So other than that they're pretty much the same. Champion: Well, last night I was going to defer this, but I talked to several business people who do this work and they're totally in favor of it and I don't have any qualms about it anymore. Correia: I don't either.. . especially knowing that Coralville, I mean, it makes sense for Coralville and Iowa City to be on the same page with this. It's a public safety issue. It's.. .where the industry is going and I think there are, it's coming from the Board of Appeals, so I'm, I'd like to pass it at this time, if we have the support. Elliott: As an explanation, I talked with Tim today. Had a good conversation with Tim. I had some rather serious reservations last night. I'm starting to buy into it. I think that by the next meeting, I will have - in my mind - had it straightened around. I would just appreciate having the time to talk to a few more people, get a few things straight in my mind, and I anticipate that I would be in favor of it. Vanderhoef: Could we go ahead with first reading, Bob? It takes two more readings, and certainly. . . Elliott: I could go with that. Vanderhoef: . . . you can. . . Elliott: I can go with that. I'll be happy to withdraw my motion, if the Council understands that. Wilburn: Need to check to see if the person who seconded it is willing to... Elliott: Mike, is that okay with you? O'Donnell: What's that? Elliott: If I withdraw? O'Donnell: I'm not going to support this. I believe in it conceptually. I think that new businesses coming forward should be licensed, but those in our This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. #7 Page 16 community who have demonstrated their ability by their longevity for a period, who knows how long, I think should be grandfathered into this. So, I'm going...I support it except for the part where we don't grandfather in existing businesses who've proven their ability. Wilburn: Any further discussion on first consideration? Roll call. It carries 5-2, O'Donnell and Elliott in the negative. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. #8 Page 17 ITEM 8 CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3, ENTITLED "FINANCES, TAXATION AND FEES," CHAPTER 4, ENTITLED "SCHEDULE OF FEES, RATES, CHARGES, BONDS, FINES AND PENAL TIES," SECTION 8, ENTITLED "PARKING VIOLATIONS"; AMENDING TITLE 9, ENTITLED "MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC," CHAPTER 1, ENTITLED "DEFINITIONS, ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF TRAFFIC PROVISIONS," SECTION 1, ENTITLED "DEFINITIONS'''; AMENDING TITLE 9, CHAPTER 4, ENTITLED "PARKING REGULATIONS," SECTION 3, ENTITLED "PARKING NOT TO OBSTRUCT TRAFFIC"; AND AMENDING TITLE 9, CHAPTER 4, SECTION 10, ENTITLED "PARKING FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING" TO DEFINE AND ESTABLISH PASSENGER LOADING ZONES AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF SAID ZONES (SECOND CONSIDERATION). Bailey: I move that the rule requiring that ordinances must be considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended, that the second consideration and vote be waived, and the ordinance be voted on for final passage at this time. Wilburn: Moved by Bailey to expedite. Correia: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Correia. Discussion? Elliott: Is that just so the Mayor won't have to read that again? (laughter) Champion: That's a lot of words for valet parking, isn't it? O'Donnell: This is really a mouthful for valet parking, it really is. Bailey: Valet parking is simpler than reading this. Vanderhoef: And I will be voting no on this because it doesn't specify that that loading zone has to be on the same side of the street as the establishment that is requesting valet parking. I find this very unsafe to drop people off on the opposite side of the street and not have any way for them to go directly to the restaurant without jaywalking across. Washington Street and Clinton Street, Iowa Avenue, are busy streets, when it's dark and people are ducking in and out of cars, and certainly the drivers for those valet parking people will be dashing across the street to meet the timeline. So if we had some spaces downtown where it is on the same side of the street as the This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. __..__u~_.__.'_.__... _ _.____.__..______.__.___.____.._______._._____"._.___.-.~..--------,-- - #8 Page 18 establishment wishing to have valet parking, I would support those. I cannot support this in total because we have some that are requesting it on the opposite side of the street. O'Donnell: I thought everybody downtown... Wilburn: Can we finish the...I'm sorry, Mike. Can we finish the expediting and then that discussion? O'Donnell: Okay. Wilburn: This is the expedited request. Can I get a roll call. Carries 6-1, Vanderhoef in the negative to expedite. Bailey: I moved that the ordinance be finally adopted at this time. O'Donnell: Second. Wilburn: Moved by Bailey, seconded by O'Donnell. Now discussion. I might forget if we don't. O'Donnell: No, I just.. .you know, I'm downtown all the time and I just can't imagine somebody jay-walking (laughter). I think this is new. We certainly should give this a try. If we don't like it, we can always rescind it, but let's give it a try. Wilburn: Further discussion? Vanderhoef: I'll just say in response to that, the one establishment that asked for it on the opposite of the street was offered two other locations that were within a half block of their establishment to use a correct loading zone, and they declined. So, it isn't that they haven't had the opportunity. It's just that the people would have to walk a half block from where the loading for valet parking is to the establishment. Bailey: I don't think it was the exercise, I think it was the site lines, that you can't actually see from that particular establishment to the loading zone because we have some trees that have matured and we have additional things in the way, so I think the site line consideration is valid. If you pull up for valet parking, you actually expect somebody to show up in a rather, you know, timely manner, and if they can't see you from the restaurant, that's difficult to happen. Vanderhoef: That is a problem, but it could be worked around. Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 6-1, Vanderhoef in the negative. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. . . ...--.-----_._~._~_._---_._~._-_._---,._----~._,.._-~---.-..--------.-..---. -~-_.~-,-,._"_.~..._-,,---_._"'---- #8 Page 19 Karr: Motion to accept correspondence. O'Donnell: So moved. Wilburn: Moved by O'Donnell. Champion: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Champion to accept correspondence. All those in favor say aye. Opposed same sign. Carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. #10 Page 20 ITEM 10 CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 10, ENTITLED "PUBLIC WAYS AND PROPERTY," CHAPTER 3, "COMMERCIAL USE OF SIDEWALKS," SECTION 5 ENTITLED "USE BY MOBILE VENDORS" BY AMENDING SUB SECTION A2(a) TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PERMITS ISSUED ON CITY PLAZA FROM FIVE TO SIX (FIRST CONSIDERATION). Champion: Move first consideration. Correia: Second. Wilburn: Moved by Champion, seconded by Correia. Discussion? Roll call. Oops, go ahead. Correia: This would go into effect the next season? Helling: Yes, the first of May. Correia: First of May? Helling: Db-huh. Elliott: It can't come soon enough! Helling: Well, that's when the new vending season starts. Yeah, we'll be approving (several talking at once, laughter). Correia: Applications start coming in after January I, is that how that works? Helling: Yeah, the ordinance actually takes effect on publication. Correia: Okay. Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. #11 Page 21 ITEM 11 CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 5, ENTITLED "BUSINESS AND LICENSE REGULATIONS," CHAPTER 2, ENTITLED "VEHICLES FOR HIRE" BY REPEALING SAID CHAPTER IN ITS ENTIRETY AND REPLACING IT WITH A NEW CHAPTER, ENTITLED "TAXICABS". (PASS AND ADOPT). Champion: Move adoption. Bailey: Move adoption. Wilburn: Moved by Champion, seconded by Bailey. Discussion? Elliott: Steve, this is to cover the increase cost of the inspections, it doubles the cost, but there is a 25% discount? (several talking at once) Karr: This is the ordinance itself. The resolution on fees is next. Elliott: Oh, okay. I was ahead of you. Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. ...-----_..-.,_._----_.._--_.,-----_.--------".__._-~.__.,---~."----"_._--_.,-_.-_._~--,_._._'_.__._----_.-_...-.__._.,-~----_._-----'- #12 Page 22 ITEM 12 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION RESCINDING PRIOR RESOLUTION NO. 02-11 AND IN LIEU THEREOF SETTING FEES AND CHARGES WITH RESPECT TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF REGULATIONS OF TAXICABS, BY REPLACING "VEHICLE FOR HIRE" REFERENCES WITH "TAXICAB". Champion: Move the resolution. Wilburn: Moved by Champion. Correia: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Correia. Discussion? Elliott: Now my question. Karr: And the answer is yes. Elliott: Yes! Karr: The current. . . Elliott: . . . cover the cost, this does not do any more than cover the cost, is that correct? Karr: That's correct. That's correct. Elliott: Okay. Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. ~----- --_.,,----~---_._.._.._--_.__."-,_.._~._,.._--_._-.-.,-._-~..__._-,~--,.._.__._---_._----_._---_..._-'_.~._.-,._-_.__.._-----_.,,-~--,---,,_.-~--_.- - #13 Page 23 ITEM 13 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY BY COMMITMENT OF A $320,000 LOAN TO THE HOUSING FELLOWSHIP FUNDED BY ISSUANCE OF BONDS AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN A LETTER OF SUPPORT TO FULFILL THE THRESHOLD REQUIREMENTS OF THE LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT APPLICATION. Correia: Move the resolution. Vanderhoef: Second. Wilburn: Moved by Correia, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Correia: I think this. . . go ahead. Dennis: I'm Maryann Dennis with the Housing Fellowship, and thank you for your consideration of our request for a resolution of support and for a loan, and I could answer any questions you have. Champion: We're excited about it. Correia: In terms for members of the public, this will be a loan utilizing tax credits that will rehab 14 units of, and preserve 14 units of affordable housing that are scattered throughout the community. Dennis: Right. Correia: And put them into a limited partnership on those units which currently now do not participate in property taxes will be back on the property tax rolls for the period of time in the limited partnership? Dennis: Yes. The loan is for a source of financing. The tax credit, the investment that comes through the reservation of tax credits is actual equity that comes (unable to hear). Correia: Then you'll be able to rent at lower than even the fair market rent, is that... Dennis: Yes, the rent will be lower. We're currently renting them at the fair market rate, but when they're in service under the limited partnership, the rents will be lower. Vanderhoef: Approximately how much, Maryann? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. -"~,---,-,-,-,--,,,,---,---'------'"-'- "-_.._--_._-_._~_._,-,-~---_. --- ~------- - --~_....__.__.._---------_.~..~_._-~-_._'-_..__._-- #13 Page 24 Dennis: For the 2-bedroom currently we receive $560 a month, that's fair market rent, and the proposed rents for the 2-bedrooms will be either $525 or $550. So... Vanderhoef: Not a great amount, but some? Dennis: No, but ifthe $525, I mean, that's significant. That'll pay your water bill. And then the 3-bedrooms, we currently get $823 and the proposed rents are $763, so that I think is considerable. Elliott: Those rates are set, as opposed to varying based on financial need? Dennis: Correct, but the units would still be available to folks who receive any kind of rental assistance. Vanderhoef: Okay. The only sad thing about all ofthis is the cash flow for housing fellowship has been pinched this last year and we lost a couple of units, had to be resold to keep in line, and that's the nature of what is happening in our housing community, that it's getting very expensive and borrowing is also very expensive, which leads to cash flow problems for all of us. Dennis: Well, thank you for bringing that up, Dee, and the nice thing, or one of the best things I think about the tax credit application and the way the Iowa Finance Authority and the IRS have set it up is that they require you to maintain replacement and maintenance reserves, which I think is a real smart thing. Vanderhoef: I do too! Ifwe could all do that for all of our units... Dennis: Absolutely! Vanderhoef: . . . it would be a real positive for our community. Wilburn: Any other discussion? Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accnrate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. - - - --_.~_.__. ..._----_._~~~._-,.~._'".._.,._-_...'"_.-.-_.._--~-----------_.._----_.._"."---"--_..__._~--,_."'--_.._.._,-_...-"- -..-.--..----.....-..-.-.,---"--.,,.---.--- #16 Page 25 ITEM 16 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE GRAND AVENUE ROUNDABOUT PROJECT. Wilburn: Engineer's estimate was $370,000; Public Works and Engineering recommending awarding the contract to All American Concrete, Inc., of West Liberty, Iowa, for $340,929.48. O'Donnell: Move the resolution. Champion: Second. Wilburn: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Champion. Discussion? Correia: Are we yet to start this project? In this year, or... Atkins: This year. Correia: Construction season, or no? Atkins: No, this will be in the springtime. Vanderhoef: I will continue to vote against this project. (TAPE ENDS) .. .on the west side of the river and this does not do anything for. . . increasing the capacity or the use of Melrose Avenue. O'Donnell: I think this is a great project for the City. We have University cooperating. I understand this will move 70% more vehicles more efficiently, as well as remove the safety issue with the steps going up to the old Fieldhouse. There also are designated pedestrian crossways, so I look forward to this project. I think it'll be good for the City, and the University. Bailey: Yeah, I was just over there I think last week and I think that area is very confusing, and I think this will help clarify for all the vehicles and pedestrians where they're supposed to be and how, what direction they're supposed to go. Correia: Yeah, I agree. Champion: Me too. Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 6-1, Vanderhoef in the negative. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. #19 Page 26 ITEM 19 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS. Wilburn: At our work session last night, there was an informal agreement with the Council for the Animal Care Commission to appoint Teresa Kopel and Patricia Farrant as the Iowa City reps. Jane McCune is the Johnson County rep, and Paula Kelly is the Coralville rep. For Human, for Human Rights, Joy Kross. Parks and Recreation, John Watson. Public Art, Mark Seabold, and Senior Center Commission, Nancy Wombacher. Ask for a motion to approve those. O'Donnell: So moved. Bailey: So moved. Wilburn: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Bailey. Discussion? Correia: Wanted to point out that the Animal Care is a Task Force and not a Commission. Wilburn: Okay. And there still are opening on the Parks and Recreation and Senior Center Commission, is that correct? Okay. All those in favor say aye. Opposed same sign. Carries 7-0. The appointments to the Housing and Community Development Commission, I have a conflict of interest and cannot be participating nor appointing people to that board. Bailey: Housing and Community Development Commission, last night we discussed appointing Andy Douglas to this Commission. Correia: Move the appointment. O'Donnell: Second. Bailey: Motion and a second. Any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Motion carries 6-0, Wilburn abstaining due to conflict of interest. ~ Wilburn: Sounds like I did something wrong, doesn't it? Okay. Item.. .City Council, Item 21. . . Correia: Are we going to defer the Youth Advisory appointment? Wilburn: Oh, that's right. Do we need to formally do that? Champion: No. Wilburn: Just as an announcement, we are going to make the appointments for the Youth Advisory Commission at our next City Council meeting. This represents only a reasonably accnrate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. ...-_._~---_._~----~_._---~---~--------_..._._.__._._-"------_._---~-----_.._- #21 Page 27 ITEM 21 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION. Wilburn: Now, City Council information. Bob? Elliott: Note in today's paper that there was a group that ranked the nation's top party schools, or if your left handed, worst party schools, and Iowa was not among the top 10, but the Big Ten rank put 8 schools among the nation's top 12 party schools. So, the Big Ten is certainly a party school conference, according to this publication. Just a note of interest. O'Donnell: I don't know how they do those rankings. (laughter) Elliott: Very scientifically! (laughter) O'Donnell: Well, what time of day it's done. (several talking at once) Wilburn: Regenia? Bailey: I just want to wish everybody a Happy Thanksgiving next week and safe travels to those of you who are going out of town. Vanderhoef: Vh, I've got two or three things. Tomorrow is Iowa League of Cities Advocacy Workshop at Stonecreek in Johnston, from 1 :00 to 3:30. Anyone that would like to come, please do. I'm sorry, but I didn't pick it up quicker, but tomorrow happens to be "America Recycles Day" and certainly this City Council has supported recycling in our community and since we are managers of the landfill and managers ofthe land, I think it's real important for all of us to remember our recycling, not only tomorrow, but every day. Another announcement, the East Central Iowa Council of Governments was to have a legislative forum with our local legislators on Thursday, and that has been rescheduled to December 12th from 4:00 to 6:00 at the Coralville Council Chambers. So, that is an open to the public activity, so come and hear from our local legislators and hear them discuss issues that are important to cities and counties in our 7-county region. Then, one really fun one, Saturday night Connie and I attended the Veteran's Day banquet, which has been going on for 26 years in our community, and one of our City employees, retired City employee, was given the Will Hayek Award. Lyle Seydel, who was the Director ofthe Housing Authority years ago, was present, along with all of his family to receive the award. This is a very prestigious award, given to someone who has served their nation and their community with dignity, pride, and caring. So, Ijust want to say congratulations to Lyle Seydel and give him Hatta boy." Wilburn: Thank you, and thank both of you for attending that. Mike? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. #21 Page 28 O'Donnell: Just Happy Thanksgiving. I've been getting a lot of calls on Channel 2 and the possible elimination and what's going to happen to Survivor and Big Brother and so forth (laughter), is there anything that we could add to what we've been reading? Helling: No. The question you had last night was whether the Fox affiliate on the local channel lineup would go, and the answer is "no," that this particular Fox affiliate is not owned by Sinclair. O'Donnell: Actually, that wasn't my question. Helling: I know. (laughter) O'Donnell: Okay, that's all I have. Have a safe Thanksgiving. Wilburn: Just so the Council's aware, Dale and I are working on a letter to send to both parties, just asking them to try and work something out because the loser in the end will be the citizens ofIowa City. So we'll be getting that... Correia: Ijust wanted to update everyone on the Iowa, or the Youth Advisory Commission, Iowa City Youth Advisory Commission. We're, the ball's getting rolling. We had a very packed meeting, our last meeting, we had a Boy Scout troop filled the Council chambers. They're working on a citizenship badge. So they watched the meeting and then they had questions during our. . . it was the first time we had anyone in for the public discussion time, so they were our. . . Commission Members were very excited about that, as well. I think the Boy Scouts had a good time. The Commission is going to sponsor, Commission Members are going to sponsor a tent in the Global Village. That was confirmed at our meeting, and Deb Green came from the Public Library so they're going to be involved, part ofthe Summer of the Arts in June. We have yet to decide, make decision on which country we're going to... use, or sponsor. Austin came to our last meeting and gave a briefing on the late-night bus so they're going to continue to consider whether they want to make a recommendation to the Council about late-night bus service. They're very interested about that, and Austin did a great job. And a lot of the Boy Scouts had questions about that, as well, so that was great, and we had a public input session on the results ofthe Iowa Youth Survey about youth and alcohol, marijuana use, and so we discussed at the last meeting where they wanted to go with that, with what the discussion was, and so one of the things they wanted to do was find out what else is going on in the community and we're going to have a group, that MECCA's sponsoring, on a federal grant, teens against alcohol and drugs - a group of City High students. So they're going to come to the next meeting and talk with the Commission Members about what they're doing and how our Commission This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006. --.'.--_.-.,,'.- -- - --.-,-..-.....-...--------..-..... -----~._-~-,---_._-_.,- -_..._.".,.----_.-_..~--,..._-----_.,._.--._-------_._'-..- .. ----_._._..._-~-~.._----_.."--_.....,._-""_.__.._,----...-..-".----.--...-..------ #21 Wilburn: Page 29 might partner with them, or do something to compliment their efforts, so I think they're feeling really good about work that they're doing and it's going really well. I think just Bob and I were at the Housing Summit from the Council this morning. There were a lot of City staff there, as well. Steve did a fabulous job on the panel. Thank you, Steve, for representing the City well. There was, it was a great, a great event. Really wide representation amongst the community, in terms there were builders, and realtors, and faith community, service providers, Chamber of Commerce - Nancy Quellhorst opened the day's events. Andy Johnson did a nice job. Carl Guardino from the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, I think, really gave us some good ideas, solidify that we're doing.. .on the right track with what we're doing, both at the City Council level and also in the community at large. So...I think we'll be hearing more about the next steps. It's a good event. Thank you. We received a certificate from the National League of Cities. Would you mind holding that up there, Dee? Urn, for 40 years? Involvement with the National League of Cities, the letter says congratulations, your dedication to the National League of Cities has not only helped us solve municipal issues, but also enhance leadership skills, protect community rights and resources, but most importantly it's through collective efforts that we can continue to defend and advocate on our behalf and on behalf of other cities. So.. .good job Iowa City! Go us! Secondly, I had an opportunity to attend the 27th Annual David and Rosalie Braverman Annual Scholarship reception, and so I want to say congratulations to Laurie Hughes, James Power, and Christopher Kelly. The Braverman Scholarship is given to outstanding graduate or professional scholars who have disabilities which substantially limit one or more major life activities. The Scholarship Fund was originally established for students with physical disabilities, but it has been expanded to all students with disabilities who are enrolled at the University ofIowa Graduate or Professional Studies. Really nice event. I want to thank the Braverman family for their dedication and commitment to persons with disabilities, looking to further their education. Urn, let's see, the only other thing for my Council time, how many of you in the audience are in Roy's journalism class? We are going to try something a little different tonight. There's a lot of you and a few of us, and so rather than line up and ask the same question of each of us individually, if after I adjourn the Council meeting, if you just stay seated. Any Council Members who wish to participate, we will do this press conference style, and so you can ask the questions and any Council Members who wishes to stay, we will answer and hopefully this one of the same question each time, okay? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of November 14, 2006.